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Ottawa Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Rule could save $25 Million in Ontario


October 14, 2015

With headache as its predominant symptom, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can be challenging to diagnose. It is estimated that close to 50 patients presenting with SAH in Ontario annually are misdiagnosed at the time of their first hospital visit and half of those patients die because of the misdiagnosis, with many survivors affected by neurological damage.

Dr. Jeff Perry and colleagues have developed a clinical decision rule that can completely eliminate SAH misdiagnosis and is therefore expected to save approximately 25 lives in Ontario each year. A preliminary economic analysis led by Dr. Kednapa Thavorn helped convince the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario to undertake a more detailed economic analysis, which predicts that the rule could save Ontario $25 million per year through avoiding death and disability.

See CAHO Catalyst newsletter for details.

About The Ottawa Hospital


The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

For further information, please contact


Jennifer Ganton
Director, Communications and Public Relations,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73325
Cell:613-614-5253
jganton@ohri.ca